Streptococcal and Staphylococcal Infection From Dog Bites
Many people brush off dog bites, thinking that their injury isn’t serious. But days later, they notice that the area around the bite is swollen and painful. These are signs of infection. Although many infections are minor, they can become quite serious if left untreated. Instead of making the mistake of not seeing a health professional, you should seek medical treatment if you think your wounds may be infected. Not only will it be necessary to prevent any long-term damage, it also provided a documented medical history if you attempt to seek damages from the owner of the dog in question.
Dog Bites Put You at Risk For Infection
Dog bites are a very common form of personal injury in Michigan. And even minor dog bites can put you at serious risk of a serious infection.
The reason for this is simply because a dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. Even if the bite barely breaks your skin, these bacteria can work their way into the wound and cause an infection. And if left untreated, this infection can spread to your blood, leading to serious medical complications and possibly even death if left untreated or treated too late.
Serious infections can lead to serious medical expenses, putting you and your family’s finances at risk. If you were not at fault for the dog bite, which is usually the case, you may be owed damages that could cover your medical bills and lost wages.
Clean The Dog Bite Properly
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, it’s important that you clean the wound as quickly as possible. Even small scratches can get infected, leading to a host of serious health complications. That’s because a dog’s mouth can be a very dirty place. Dogs will pick up a lot of bacteria, many of which can be harmful to humans. If this dog bites you, these bacteria can enter the site of the wound and cause serious infections.
Clean the wound out with water as soon as you can, and use hydrogen peroxide to rinse out the injury site. This can help prevent skin from healing over dirt and bacteria, which can lead to infections. Once you’ve cleaned the bite area, make sure to keep an eye on the bite for the next few days. And continue to clean the wound to prevent infections. As long as the bite remains open, you are at risk of infection. You can also use topical ointments with antibacterial properties to keep the wound clean and lower the risk of infection such as neosporin or something similar.
Visit The Doctor Immediately If The Bite Is Deep
And if the wound was more serious, make sure you seek emergency medical attention right away. Deep bites can quickly get infected if not cleaned properly and put you at a much higher risk than other type of bite injuries. A deep wound should not be treated at home, and you should seek medical treatment even before there are any signs of infections. A trained medical team can ensure that your wound is clean and prevent the risk of an infection spreading to your blood.
Different Types Of Infections From Dog Bites
Most dog bites that get infected are local infections. That means the infection does not spread to the blood, but is found around the site of the bite. And most of these local infections are either a staph or strep infection. These infections are fairly easy to treat in most cases, provided that you catch them early. However, if left untreated, they can spread and cause serious health complications.
There are also rarer infections that can occur after a dog bite, such as capnocytophaga. These infections can be lethal, even when treated quickly. They also often require specialized medical care.
Dog’s Owner Responsible For Injuries They Cause
In Michigan, a dog’s owner is responsible for any damages that their dog may cause. In the case of a dog bite, that means that they can be found negligent, making them responsible for medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. The reason for Michigan’s strict dog leash and licensing laws, is to put the responsibility on the owner in the case of a dog bite or attack that causes injuries to an innocent victim.
If the dog that bites you does not have an owner, then seeking damages will be more difficult. However, there are still multiple options available to you, and you may be able to get reimbursement from insurance companies or from the government.
Contact An Experienced Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites can lead to a wide range of medical problems, from scarring to muscle and nerve damage. And infections from dog bites can be serious, leading to complications with expensive medical bills.
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, reach out to a skilled Michigan personal injury attorney. A serious infection from a dog bite can be quite expensive. And it can put a serious emotional strain on you and your family. That’s why you need a legal team that will fight to win you the compensation you deserve.
At the Clark Law Office, we have years of experience fighting to win our clients the maximum possible payout for their case. Our attorneys work directly with you to build a strong case. We also consult with your doctors and review all documents to ensure that you’ll get the compensation you’ll need to cover your medical expenses.
We know choosing a personal injury attorney can be tough. That’s why we offer free case evaluations. And we only get paid if you win your case. Remember, we fight for you, not for the insurance companies. Fill out our online case evaluation form, or contact us today to see how we can help your case.
